Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) drew ire on Thursday after he said President Joe Biden politicized Jan. 6, 2021 — the day rioters motivated by political conspiracy theories stormed the U.S. Capitol building.
In his speech marking the first anniversary of the riot, Biden denounced the lies that led to supporters of then-President Donald Trump storming the Capitol, seeking to overturn the election in his favor.
“What brazen politicization of January 6 by President Biden,” Graham tweeted in response.
The senator’s tone Thursday was in stark contrast to his reaction immediately following the violence. Though he was part of Trump’s campaign to flip the election results, after rioters had been cleared from the Capitol, Graham declared on the Senate floor: “All I can say is count me out. Enough is enough.”
But on Thursday, Graham and some other prominent Republicans criticized those who pointed out exactly what the deadly political riot was.
The critics piled on:
Here was your speech on the Senate floor on January 6th after the Capitol siege, in which you had a starkly different view, Senator… https://t.co/iIzj37moAR https://t.co/4pfRUjO4zD
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid 😷 (@JoyAnnReid) January 6, 2022
attempted coups are political https://t.co/RwtYUqo2mX
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 6, 2022
A year ago he blamed Trump.
— The Recount (@therecount) January 6, 2022
Today he calls it "politicization."
GOP leaders are singing a very different tune on January 6th vs. a year ago. Let's roll the tape:pic.twitter.com/WhzheLIyKZ https://t.co/joQ6ld7mO6
Joe Biden should be ashamed of politicizing the political rally in the headquarters of American politics that devolved into political violence by interrupting politicians carrying out the political process of choosing the country’s political leader.
— Michael Harriot (@michaelharriot) January 6, 2022
Shame on him.
Is the idea here that the riot itself was apolitical? https://t.co/3zhMMA4aKw
— Philip Bump (@pbump) January 6, 2022
Trying to prevent the certification of the election was done by ONE side and it wasn’t the left.
— Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) January 6, 2022
Historian here this is like saying don’t politicize secession and the Civil War. Condemning treason to American democracy is not politicizing an issue it is making treason infamous.
— Manisha Sinha (@ProfMSinha) January 6, 2022
I'm pretty sure Jan. 6th was politicized the moment your political base attempted to siege the Capitol with an intent to kill the Vice President.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) January 6, 2022
Yeah, wouldn’t want the make the leader of the Republican Party inciting an insurrection on the US Capitol for the express purpose of anointing himself the winner of an election that he lost “politicized.”
— Brian Tyler Cohen (@briantylercohen) January 6, 2022
From the senator who, a year ago today, watched what happened at the Capitol and declared: “Enough is enough.” https://t.co/vY0GMZGyYu
— Kasie Hunt (@kasie) January 6, 2022
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.